4 Ideas for Impressing Guests Within Mere Minutes
The holiday season is upon us, which means more house guests than usual – here's how to impress them from the minute they knock on the door
As we head into the holiday season, there is no doubt that many of us will be hosting guests. Whether they are family or friends or both, they’ll be arriving on our doorsteps with an impressive cache of gifts, meals and everything in between.
As perfect hosts, it is only natural that you would want to be just as impressive – from the minute they ring the bell. With that in mind, here are some handy ideas that you can try at home to ensure that your reputation as the perfect host stays untarnished!
As perfect hosts, it is only natural that you would want to be just as impressive – from the minute they ring the bell. With that in mind, here are some handy ideas that you can try at home to ensure that your reputation as the perfect host stays untarnished!
This is also a great opportunity to show off your decor personality. Notice how the owners of this house have displayed colourful pot plant holders? This instantly gives off the impression that you are entering a fun and light-hearted household.
2. Create a welcoming entrance
Again, you want to make a great first impression on your guests, and this extends to that moment when your guests first step inside the house – you want to make sure they feel at home.
Again, you want to make a great first impression on your guests, and this extends to that moment when your guests first step inside the house – you want to make sure they feel at home.
First, make sure you have an area where your guests can place small items – keys, wallets, etc. – and still have easy access to them later, if necessary. If you prefer your guests remove their shoes, it is helpful to include a shoe rack or box so their shoes can be safely stored. The same goes for coats and jackets. Make sure you have a wardrobe that your guests can easily access without having to ask you, their host, for help.
Finally, give your entryway a welcoming touch by adding fresh flowers or a scented diffuser.
Read more: Heaven-Sent Entries: 12 Ideas to Make Your Home More Welcoming
Finally, give your entryway a welcoming touch by adding fresh flowers or a scented diffuser.
Read more: Heaven-Sent Entries: 12 Ideas to Make Your Home More Welcoming
3. Offer beverages and snacks
If you have ever been to a resort or fancy hotel, you will remember that one of the first things you are offered is a beverage or light snack. This is part of the hotel’s welcoming strategy, and it works for a reason. It is especially well received by guests who have travelled a long way.
If you have ever been to a resort or fancy hotel, you will remember that one of the first things you are offered is a beverage or light snack. This is part of the hotel’s welcoming strategy, and it works for a reason. It is especially well received by guests who have travelled a long way.
After your initial greeting, it is helpful to show your guests where they can access drinks and snacks at a later time without having to bother you for help. This will ensure they feel at home.
4. Show them their rooms
No matter how close we are with family and friends, many of us are familiar with the feeling of needing space – whether you just need a quick self-imposed timeout or you want somewhere to retreat when things get hectic. Your guests are no different.
Show them to their rooms as soon as possible, so they know where their “space” is. If you are out of space, and some guests will be sleeping on couches, it is helpful if they know where they can put their luggage, at the very least.
No matter how close we are with family and friends, many of us are familiar with the feeling of needing space – whether you just need a quick self-imposed timeout or you want somewhere to retreat when things get hectic. Your guests are no different.
Show them to their rooms as soon as possible, so they know where their “space” is. If you are out of space, and some guests will be sleeping on couches, it is helpful if they know where they can put their luggage, at the very least.
The same goes for bathrooms. Make sure all your guests know where the bathrooms are, and set out towels and other small toiletries for them.
TELL US
How do you make your guests feel at home? Do you have any clever tips or tricks to share?
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TELL US
How do you make your guests feel at home? Do you have any clever tips or tricks to share?
MORE
Transform Your Home’s Entrance From Daggy to Dazzling in Just One Week
19 Low-Cost, High-Impact Ideas for an Enviable Entry
Designs for Living: Entrances Set Up to Serve You
First impressions are everything, so make sure that the first “port of call” for your guests – your front door – is spotless and inviting. You can do this in a number of ways, including arranging pot plants around your front door, adding a fun or cheeky welcome mat, making sure the front stoop is absolutely spotless, or hanging a wreath from your front door. You could even try all of the above.